Kerala Savari 2.0 to Begin Full-Scale Operations in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government’s online auto-taxi service Kerala Savari 2.0, designed to ensure safe and affordable public transport, is set to begin full-scale operations soon, Public Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty announced. The service will become fully operational in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, and by December, it will expand into a multi-modal transport system app that connects Metro, Water Metro, feeder buses, autos, and cabs. The minister said the integrated platform will serve as a model for the country. Once launched in these two cities, the project will be extended to other districts in phases.

Developed with the cooperation of the Police, Transport, IT, and State Planning Board, Kerala Savari is supported technically by ITI Limited, Palakkad, a Central Public Sector Enterprise. The platform’s technical operations are managed by Moving Tech, identified through ITI Palakkad.

Unlike private online ride platforms, Kerala Savari runs on a subscription-based system instead of a commission model. The fare is fixed by the government, ensuring transparency and affordability for passengers while guaranteeing higher earnings for drivers. The revised fare structure is already in effect.

Kerala Savari was first launched on August 17, 2022, by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a pilot project within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits. After resolving the shortcomings identified in the initial phase, a trial run was held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in April 2025 under the supervision of the new technical team. The trial was a success — around 23,000 drivers completed 3.6 lakh trips, collectively earning over 9.36 crore rupees. On average, 1,200 trips are now completed daily in both cities.

According to the minister, the goal is to transform Kerala Savari from an app for autos and taxis into a comprehensive public mobility platform. The system will integrate ticket booking for Metro, Water Metro, railway, tourism, pilgrimage centers, and prepaid auto counters. The government also plans to bring ambulances and goods vehicles under the platform in the future, following the same regulated fare system.